Learning Support Programs

For decades. Solebury School has recognized that not all college-bound students learn the same way. Our Learning Support Program was founded in the 1980s, a progressive endeavor for its time, and it continues to offer transformative experiences for students today. The program helps students achieve their potential through understanding their strengths, overcoming weaknesses, and teaching them to advocate for themselves. Throughout the years, students in our Learning Support programs have been honor students, outstanding artists, star athletes, and student leaders at Solebury School.

Academic success follows when we meet students on their level, and they feel safe, supported, and respected, and from there, we can foster growth and encourage students to push their own boundaries. At Solebury, we recognize that bright, capable students come with a variety of learning profiles; therefore, we offer a variety of Learning Support programs aimed to serve all students on our campus.

The teachers advocate for all students and help to arrange for the accommodations that will best help them acquire and demonstrate the skills and knowledge taught in their classes. However, a key goal of the program is to give students the tools and the confidence to advocate for themselves, as they will need to do in college.

ENGLISH FOUNDATIONS 

Our grade level English Foundations classes are designed specifically for students who struggle with language-based learning tasks. The classes are taught in a small group setting by an English teacher who is also a Learning Specialist, and the classes are specifically designed to meet grade-level English curricular goals while addressing each student’s individual learning needs. To build on strengths and bolster weaknesses in reading and writing, the English Foundations teacher differentiates instruction and paces assignments to provide appropriate support for developing skills and academic growth. Space is limited, and admission into the program is dependent on academic screening and noted challenges.  There is an additional fee for this class. 

*Students who need additional support surrounding executive functioning may opt to apply for both English Foundations and Bridge.

Bridge and Bridge Plus

The Bridge and Bridge Plus programs help students whose success is hindered by ADHD, executive functioning challenges, or difficulty expressing ideas in writing. Students take a full schedule of classes and meet with a learning specialist in small groups of up to three to help them stay on track, complete assignments, and develop strategies to achieve the success their intelligence merits. This program can serve as a “bridge” as students transition out of the Individualized English program. For some students, it is a bridge from a different academic environment to Solebury’s rigorous, college-preparatory program. For others, it connects a past of good intentions but missed assignments and incomplete work to a brighter future of confidence, competence, and pride in a job well done. To meet students’ needs, we offer several levels of Bridge support: Bridge Plus, which meets nearly every day; Bridge, which meets every other day, and we also offer a trimester-by-trimester Bridge support plan for students who feel they may not need a full year of Bridge support. Space is limited and there are additional fees for these programs.

Boost

At Solebury, we strive to support all of our learners. While many students benefit from the formal Learning Support programs, others need less intensive and/or less frequent support. For these students, we offer Boost. Between the hours of 3:00 and 3:30 (during our daily Conference period where all teachers are available to work with students), the Learning Support faculty is available for drop-in help, to provide guidance with study strategies, test-taking skills, time management, organization, prioritization, etc. Students can come as needed, or drop in regularly. There is no fee for this support, and all students are welcome!

Math Support Program

Solebury offers support classes for students with diagnosed math learning disabilities. Students who have difficulty with math have the opportunity to enroll in our Algebraic Concepts 1, Algebraic Concepts 2, and Geometry Concepts courses to fulfill Solebury’s graduation requirement for mathematics. These small classes help students gain confidence and conquer anxiety, and may include multisensory teaching and appropriate technology.

Learn more about the Math Support Program here.

Support Resources for All Students

While the above programs offer a more formal and focused support system for some students, all Solebury School students have the following resources to help them thrive fully as students and young adults:

Faculty Advisors
Every student is assigned a faculty advisor who serves as mentor, advocate, and guide.

Writing Center
A resource for anyone at any stage in the writing process staffed with teachers to help you.

Conference Period
Time is built into the schedule four days a week for students to meet with teachers. 

Spartan Performance Academy
Strength and conditioning coaches help students relieve stress, build confidence, and inspire a love of exercise.

School Counseling
As needed, School Counselor Julie Laing, M.S. helps students work through problems, developing grit and resiliency.